I have a really basic basement but I wanted to spend more time down there and utilize the extra space. So, even though I don't love this built-in shabby bar that's in place, I don't want to tear it down. I spent weeks looking for bar stools on Craigslist but people were just asking for too much. I was looking for basement bargain deals.

I eventually found these bar stools for $5.99 each at a thrift store in Madison. They were structurally fine and for less than the price of a cheap dinner, I scored these for my downstairs living room.

Overall, I made an investment in some Annie Sloan products (like buying a brush and the wax) but I saved time and money by not having to prime or sand. So I definitely think it's worth spending $50 on brushes when you're avoiding buying primer and breaking your back.

You will need at least two brushes to make this project work and that could be an investment, too. I think the Martha brushes at Michael's are about $25. They may cost about the same for Annie Sloan... and if you have that option, I encourage you to buy the Annie Sloan brushes. They make a big difference and hold up throughout multiple projects. I bought mine from Studio 184 in Stoughton.

The project was very easy - I took off the seat cushions, re-stapled on new fabric. Painted two coats of craft paint on the chairs, took a small grit sand paper and lightly distressed the edges, and then coated it with the Annie Sloan clear wax.

I started this project weeks ago but in the end, only spent a few hours on them. I thought they turned out really well! My sister also helped me with the fabric and she distressed one of the chairs -- we got in quality time while we worked. Can't beat that!